The Weird and Wonderful Star-Nosed Mole | 4K UHD | Mammals | BBC Earth

Summary

The star-nosed mole thrives underground with an intricate tunnel system, relying on its ultra-sensitive nose for both smell and touch, which is 100 times more sensitive than human fingertips. Despite being virtually blind, it consumes twice its body weight daily, feasting on worms that fall into its tunnels. Adapted for both digging and swimming, the mole navigates flooded tunnels in spring with large feet and a water-resistant coat. Uniquely, it can locate prey underwater by sniffing bubbles trapped in leaves, showcasing its dual life in soil and water.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Moist soil is easily navigable for the star-nosed mole, which has a network of tunnels just underground.
• 🐾 Despite being virtually blind, the star-nosed mole relies on its super-sensitive nose for both smelling and feeling, which is 100 times more sensitive than human fingertips.
• 🍽️ The mole must consume up to twice its body weight daily to sustain its active lifestyle, with worms falling into its tunnels as they burrow.
• 🌧️ During spring, heavy rains can flood the mole's tunnels, forcing it to hold its breath for more than 30 seconds and escape to the surface.
• 🏊‍♂️ The mole is well-adapted for swimming, with large feet that function as paddles and a water-resistant coat that keeps it warm.
• 👃 To hunt underwater, the mole blows bubbles into submerged leaves, sniffing them to detect edible prey by scent.
• 🌀 Star-nosed moles are unique among mammals for being equally comfortable in water and soil environments.
• 🌿 The mole's lifestyle is closely tied to the conditions of the soil, which can be both a benefit and a challenge depending on the season.
• 🔍 The mole's extraordinary olfactory capabilities allow it to effectively navigate and hunt in its subterranean home.
• 💨 The mole's survival during flooding events is a testament to its quick response and ability to hold its breath for a short time.
• 🌀 Adaptability is key for the star-nosed mole, as it must switch between digging and swimming to survive in its changing environment.

Q & A

What is the primary characteristic of the star-nosed mole's habitat?

The star-nosed mole's habitat is characterized by moist soil with an extensive network of tunnels just underground.

How does the star-nosed mole's sense of smell compare to human touch sensitivity?

The star-nosed mole's sense of smell is 100 times more sensitive than human fingertips.

What is the mole's daily dietary requirement in terms of body weight?

The star-nosed mole must consume up to twice its body weight in food every day to sustain its active lifestyle.

How do worms end up in the star-nosed mole's tunnels?

Worms fall into the mole's tunnels as they naturally burrow through the soil.

What happens to the mole's tunnels during spring torrential rains?

During spring torrential rains, the mole's tunnels become flooded with water.

How long can the star-nosed mole hold its breath underwater?

The star-nosed mole can hold its breath for a little over 30 seconds.

What adaptations does the star-nosed mole have for swimming?

The star-nosed mole has large feet that function as effective paddles and a water-resistant coat that keeps it warm, making it well-equipped for swimming.

How does the star-nosed mole detect prey underwater?

The mole blows bubbles into submerged leaves, and by sniffing these bubbles, it can detect edible prey underwater.

What makes the star-nosed mole unique among mammals?

The star-nosed mole is unique among mammals for being equally at home in both water and soil.

How does the star-nosed mole's nose function in its environment?

The star-nosed mole's nose functions not only for smelling but also for feeling, helping it navigate and find food in its environment.

What challenges does the star-nosed mole face during the spring season?

During spring, the star-nosed mole faces the challenge of its tunnels being flooded due to heavy rains, which requires it to swim and hold its breath.